Page 36 - Cadet Review Autumn 2023

HSY ACF
NATIONAL
CADET CORPS
OF INDIA VISIT
ANNUAL CAMP
by Captain Neil Bizzell
During their first visit to the UK the National Cadet Corps of India (NCC) spent three days with HSY ACF during our annual camp.
Arriving late on Monday evening after a busy day they were greeted by the Commandant, Colonel Fred Owen, and shown to their accommodation for a much needed rest. The first full day was kickstarted with introductions and a presentation by Colonel Owen on the history of the ACF (and an explanation of some Yorkshire dialect).
This was followed by an exciting day of training. The NCC cadets accompanied by hosts from Lothian and Borders ACF began their day with an introduction to the ACF weapon system the L98A2 Cadet GP
rifle. Under careful tuition of Skill At Arms instructor Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI) Kevin McDowall they learnt the essentials of safe handling and sling fitting.
The afternoon was a rotation through stands featuring laser clay shotgun shooting, gun run and the strong favourite, tag archery. Working alongside the Lothian and Borders cadets with staff from
HSY ACF the NCC cadets tried the activities with enthusiasm and joy, especially the tag archery; so much so they came back for another try at the end of the afternoon.
There was even time for an introduction to our musical syllabus with the Corps of Drums who were rehearsing. Col Owen even delivered an impromptu music lesson for our guests.
On the second day it was time to head out into the field to be embedded with B company as they conducted their fieldcraft training and exercise. The NCC cadets were given an introduction to ambush drills, before putting it into practice in a blank
firing exercise. Under the careful supervision
of safety staff and the Training Safety Advisor
they were able to fire the Cadet GP
rifle in an ambush, practicing
fieldcraft and weapon
handling skills.
They were also able
to sample the delights of
the 24 hour ration pack and spend some time with the
B company cadets in their Forward Operating Base at the lighthouse.
The coasteering was a test of swimming & confidence
as the groups moved between rocky outcrops, navigating
the waves, exploring
a cave and locating some exciting
jumps
Col Owen visited the cadets along with the Honorary Colonel, Colonel Simon Banks-Cooper, Colonel Cadets, Colonel Steven Emerson and OC Cadet Training Team, Major David Prew.
After the evening meal the NCC cadets joined B company for a photograph before being introduced to the communication systems including learning some voice procedure and trying it out with the Personal Role Radios. In the evening Col Owen hosted a reception for the NCC officers where they were treated to a display by the Corps of Drums and a buffet meal.
Day three saw an early breakfast and out onto transport with D company for Adventure training. Coasteering and mountain biking was offered as a rotation with the groups swapping at lunch. The NCC and escorts were mixed with the D Company staff then split into two groups.
The coasteering was a test of swimming and confidence as the groups moved between
rocky outcrops, navigating the waves, exploring a cave and locating some
exciting jumps. The mountain biking started with some time
familiarising ourselves with the bikes with a few exercises and fun races to understand how the gears
and brakes worked. After a tiring uphill ride along road and
trail we reached the top of the route and started to
head down again round tracks and over jumps.
36 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2023